Life tells of many sad stories,
lived out; and then told and retold.
Listen and pay close attention
their wisdom bears more weight than gold.

Such is the case in this story
of a girl called Maude Claris Belle.
Someone I’ve loved very deeply
with sadness her story I’ll tell.

She was born to a large family
fourth child; amidst all the rest.
Bolder ones; vied for attention,
Maude Claris would settle for less.

Created her own world to live in,
books and creatures; her dearest friends.
Her siblings danced in the spotlight,
as Maude recoiled deeper within.

In the clamor of life none noted,
how silent Maude Claris had grown.
She never cried out for attention,
so her anguish was sadly; unknown.

The others moved on and flew the nest,
Maude Claris let life pass her by.
A scoundrel came home with her brother,
and caught Maude Claris’ eye.

Though she was twenty she was naive
an innocent to the way’s of bad men.
The galoot had a way with the women,
and set out to reel Maude Claris in.

He needed a slave, to tend to his home,
his children and other base needs.
So he scooped her up and married her quick,
before she could learn of his deeds.

The little ‘house wren’ opened her heart
the oaf completely filled that place.
For a time she put all into that union,
till she vanished; leaving no trace.

Don’t get me wrong she’s still alive.
Well; her shadow still can be found.
But since the divorce the old Maude Claris,
has never more come around.

Now she’s an aggressive unloving soul,
her heart echo’s, “never again.”
Now she favors, a harsh’ bird of prey’,
instead of a little house wren.

Her children grew up in her shadow
believing it’s how it must be.
This story, of Maude Claris Belle’s life
is a very sad story to me.

c.d.m.8/18/09

Hebrew’s 12:15; Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

This poem is based on a true story, an ongoing story. How ever there is still life, so there is still hope.
Bitterness, stands out in sweet surroundings, it’s a shock to the taste-buds, a slap to the heart. As the scripture says, it springs up, denoting suddenly. When something bitter pops up [so to speak] from our lips or even just in our thoughts, we need to take note and begin to dig and ‘uproot’, that root, before it spreads.
The word tells us, ‘For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.’
See a root of bitterness has vining tendency’s and will cling to what ever is near, thereby defiling others. Vines don’t consider the host, they are clinging to and climbing over. They just want to survive.
Bitter vines want to thrive and multiply. Please pray for Maude [fake name], and pray one for another, that we not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. Cheryl

Obama’s walking in; like Steve Martin,
as he once played “a wild and crazy guy”
Kerry joins the fray, with Botox display
wishes simply to Obama’s will, comply.

Lynch bends the law to set Hillary free
makes a joke of the law we all obey.
This group riddled the law; to screw us all.
Round’s out this motley crew with James Comey.

Huma Aberdeen, an Iranian,
I’m sure she has our interests at heart.
Valerie Jarrett too, the Whitehouse shrew
wants the constitution law to depart.

Who will free us from the traitorous clan,
and then raise ‘Old Glory’ high once again?
You and I my friend, this message we send;
only Trump will defend the working man.

Hear their half-filled screams, the elite mainstreams,
as they mock and call us deplorable?
But there’s coming a day, they all will say;
” Well I guess a Trump win, was feasible.”
Cheryl Davis Miller 9 /21 /16

I am so disappointed in those of the conservative G.O.P.
That refused to abide by their pledge,
and support the winner of the Presidential race.

Unbelievable, they each in their own way, demonstrated,
the reason Trump has won the nomination.
Get this Trump displayed more maturity than all of them.

Cruz is perhaps the biggest disappointment of all.
Remember how he often reminded us, that we don’t have
4 more years to waste? Yet he is slimily placing himself
in position for 2020. He was my actual first choice,
except for the check in my spirit. One shared by most of my
Christian friends and many people in the workplace.

He proved the check correct, when he showed up at the GOP convention
to push his own agenda. He rightly was booed off the stage in the end.
He may as well go back to practice law, b/c most will not forget,
he broke his pledge. If he did so in this case,
how can we believe anything else he would promise?

Next is Kasich, gave him a look or two. He was above the fray,
wouldn’t get into mud-slinging. He was a CHRISTIAN.
But has no problem breaking his pledge, and acting like a pouting child.

Have I said how disappointed I am? Oh yes, I see it now.

Then Rubio, I have loved that little guy since I first
saw him sweating it out, while reaching for his water.
What an orator, what a life story.
Quickly I saw during the debates, he cannot yet stand his ground.
So he gives his endorsement, via Skype or whatever.
He can now join the big boys club, i.e. Bush, Cruz and Kasich’s,
and say he did not go either. What was he afraid Mr. Trump
would grab Little Marco and give him some noogies, like Bill Murray
on S.N.L. ala Todd and Lisa?

Then the Bush’s none showing up. I have supported them,
defended them, and loved them since G.H.W.’s stint as VP.
Sadly ashamed.

Have I told you how disappointed I am?
Well I am GLAD Mr.Trump was my final choice.

I looked out, of the window today,
and I was excited, to see,
A Robin-red breast, there in the snow,
peering back quizzically, at me,
I exclaimed,”Oh guess what I just saw,
on the 25th day, of January?,
“Well I just don’t know, what’s excited you so,”
answered, sweet Rosemary.

I shared with her, what I had viewed
and the cause for my exclamation!
That when once we see the Robin’s return;
it’s a call for winter’s cessation.
That country folk have believed it is so
for generation’s, now long since past.
And that all try to be; the first one to see
the foretelling of Spring’s coming at last.

With that the sun suddenly peeked out
for the very first time that day.
As if right on que; to confirm the sight too
that Spring surely is coming our way.
I offered up thanks to my Father;
that all thing’s have beginning and end.
That winter’s long grip is passing
and that Spring is coming my friend…

Joel 2:17; Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, Weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, “Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them, wherefore [why] should they say among the people ,”Where is their God?”

Between the porch and the altar. The dwelling place of those, who are referred to as Priests and Ministers of the Lord. [ We are referred to as such] Porches representing Portals, Entry ways, to the Altar. The place of worship, access and ministry, to the Most High God.

The dual calling, or purpose, and Life of the people of God. The scripture states; Let them weep. [Hebrew=Bakah – to weep, bewail, complain, mourn, be sore with tears]. Also a tree grown in the region the’ weeping tree’ of the balsam or mulberry family.

There is a slow train coming; it
is just beyond the curve.
I hear the whistle blowing
it brings what you deserve.

We have watched you smile coyly
while others backs you climb.
Now comes a day of reckoning;
and judgement for your crimes.
“““““““““`
[chorus]
It’s coming for you Lady;
can’t you hear the sound?
You can’t escape it Lady;
it’s gonna run you down.
Yeah that train keeps on comin
you can’t hide; you will be found.
“““““““““
Every dog has it day girl,
yours is long over due;
I love that whistle Hillary
it’s coming after you.

You’ll have a long time deary to
look back on all you’ve done.
No need to now say,”Sorry” and
there is no place to run.
““““““““`
[chorus]
It’s coming for you Lady;
can’t you hear the sound?
You can’t escape it Lady;
it’s gonna run you down.
Yeah that train keeps on comin
you can’t hide; you will be found.

““““““““`
We have watched you smile coyly
while others backs you climb.
Now comes a day of reckoning;
and judgement for your crimes.

So take what you have coming and
don’t bother to shed tears.
You never pitied anyone
you crushed through out the years.
““““““““
[chorus]
It’s coming for you Lady;
can’t you hear the sound?
You can’t escape it Lady;
it’s gonna run you down.
Yeah that train keeps on comin
you can’t hide; you will be found.

Well the dogs have begun to fight amongst themselves
it’s a sight for the nation to behold.
Al Sharpton’s going after Rahm Emanuel
that’s like the pot thinking it’s; made of gold.

Double opportunists wrestling for the main stage
neither knowing; the theaters on fire.
They have used and abused, this nation all along
only concern was; what they could acquire.

It’s only the beginning; watch and see what’s next
they’ll find we’re not as stupid as they thought.
They’ve been the fox in the henhouse many years now;
but surprise! That old fox has now been caught!

I predict the pendulum is just about to swing
they’ve pushed us ’bout as far as we can go.
The ‘left’ is gonna have a rude awakening.
Grab a seat, and sit back and watch the show.
c.d.m. 12/29/15

Cold and shivering, he came forth,
into this world, that night,
His breath of life, shone clearly,
in the moon’s, cascading light,
His Mother, gently loving him,
Her darling, baby boy,
His spots, did not disquiet her,
nor steal, that Mother’s joy,

The Shepherd, checked in on them,
just before, the break of dawn,
The spotted lamb, was nursing,
shaking legs he stood upon,
The shepherd knew, the value,
of his herd, had just went down,
For spotted lambs, went cheaply,
at the market sale, in town,

Cold and shivering, He came forth,
into this world, that night,
His Breath of Life, shone clearly,
in the moon’s, cascading light,
His Mother, gently loving Him,
Her darling, Baby Boy,
There He laid,The Spotless Lamb ,
Source of, Eternal Joy,

The shepherds came, to worship,
called by Angel’s, from above,
There, in a lowly manger,
they beheld, the Father’s Love,
The value of the spotted lambs,
was costly, now they knew,
The Spotless, came as ransom,
for the spotted, me and you…

c.d.m. 9-29-10

The idea for this poem came from a second-hand picture. I purchased it at the Salvation Army,a few years ago,and it quickly became my favorite. I saw in it what I wrote in the poem. The great Shepherds heart for all of us.

I had watched a T.V. show about sheep rearing and had learned about how spotted lambs are of little value. Due to the wool needing so much effort to separate the light from the dark. The story-teller stated that many sheep growers,’cull’ the herd of spotted lambs. It struck me how much we are like those ‘spotted lambs’, and how thankful I am for our Great Shepherd. Then I came across my picture and so…

I am so sick of the bias shown in the world today, it even frustrates me with God at times. I know He is just, that His time and ours is different. I know that He is merciful, but sometimes I wonder when will He show mercy to us. And level some justice.

This mornings particular rant is due to a ‘CBS This Morning’ show. They ran a clip from ‘Colbert’s’ latest reward, a late night show.
[pronounced coal-burt there fella, except yourself as you are] Any way, Colburt was mocking presidential candidate Ben Carson,
[Who happens to be a black conservative American.] because
Mr. Carson mispronounced Hamas [as though anyone should give enough thought to that murderous crew, so as to fret
about correct pronunciation of their name, may they rush to hell ] Mr. Carson pronounced it humus as in the bean dip.
Colburt went on and on making it out like Mr. Carson was stupid.
[ HE literally is a brain surgeon] The show hosts laughed and laughed.

I remember back when a rodeo clown dared to dawn an ‘Obama’ mask, and I believe was fired for such blasphemy. I don’t get it.

Next they focused on the traitor Bowe Bergdahl. His first interview, in which he claimed he was trying to prove he was capable, a Jason Bourne type. They reported he had been ‘kidnapped’ by the enemy.
NO he sought them out, and cost several American soldiers their lives in the process.

This of course was then followed by them mocking Trump and laughing about a clip of him being filmed with a bald eagle.

I know, I know at the end of the day what does all this mean. It’s irrelevant to eternity.

Excuse me it gets to me. Much like Mark Zuckerberg’s apology to the Muslims for what Donald Trump recently stated,
that ‘ we need to put a stop or hold on all Muslims’ coming into our country. Some say it’s unconstitutional, others say it is legal.
Most Americans say it is wise.

Does Mr. Zuckerberg believe such words will affect the way ‘those people’
[radical Islamists] will treat ‘his people’ the nation of Israel and Jewish people, or even Americans for that matter.
Now that is naive, to be nice.

They are our enemy, by their choosing and doctrine. They are at war with us regardless of, if we want to except the fact or not.
Maybe we want to act like Mr. Zuckerberg and hope they decide
to ‘play nice’ with us.
Yeah.
c.d.m. December tenth in the year of My Lord 2015

I recently posted a piece on this subject. From comments made on and off site, I felt the need to further elaborate. I have often said when speaking on the subject,” One can speak truth, apart from love.” As when we give ‘our’ thoughts on some ones appearance, ” That dress doesn’t look good on you.” It may be the truth in your opinion, but is it said to help or to hurt? We can voice our thoughts or beliefs, just to prove a point, separate from love, or any of loves characteristics. To have our say, so to speak.

However to truly speak out of love we will speak the truth, even at our own dis-comfort. For a minister of the gospel to ‘soft-soak’ truth, is not speaking from a heart of love. When we attempt to change what the bible teaches concerning fornication, [an old-fashioned word, {and sometimes excepted attitude towards} sex outside of marriage] to make allowance for the times we live in, we are not speaking from a heart of love.

If the bible taught 2000 yrs. ago that fornication, adultery, homosexuality, theft, and so on is sin, then quite simply the words are still relevant today. God does not ‘change ‘ with the times. Men may, but not the Holy One.

I hear a lot of ministers, that at one time spoke as oracles of God, changing their beliefs and teachings on such matters. I will say it here they are not speaking truth, and they certainly aren’t speaking from a heart of love.

If you saw someone about to stumble off a cliff, into an abyss, you would shout out a warning.” Stop, if you continue you will be destroyed.” Your racing heart of love would risk all to warn them. You would not encourage them on, for fear of upsetting them.

I believe the true fear, that motivates such members of the clergy on, is fear it may cut into the offerings. ” People won’t come if we take a stand on sin.” What are they coming to, if we don’t speak the truth? Jesus words still echo in these times,” You shall know the truth; and the truth shall make you free.” St. John 8:32

Yes, yes we are saved by the glorious grace of our Savior. Saved unto good works, not by them. Be not deceived, the bible teaches us this, that same word teaches we are delivered from the powers of darkness, i.e. sin. Whom the Son has set free is free indeed. [ or in his deeds] St. John 8:36 As the Apostle Paul taught, ‘let us not use our liberty, as a cloak for sin.’

Romans 10:14 – How then shall they call on him in whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Many are teaching otherwise these days. Let us speak the truth, out of love. That we all may go forward.

St. John 14:16

Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Anna set her dollies in the chairs
to serve them tea at table.
There was Peggy, Claire and little Rose,
and her newest dolly Mabel
Smiling at them each as she poured tea
from her blue and white tea set.
While in her heart she tries to decide
which doll is her favorite.
““““
She laid four dresses out on the bed
to decide which one to wear.
Imagining how each one would look
and how she would wear her hair.
Glanced up at the clock saw it was now
time to finish her toilette.
Frustrated now as she tries to choose
which dress is her favorite.
““““
Anna lies in bed, tired and old
shift change brings a new girl in
checking her vitals and the flow sheet
for a new day to begin.
They chat all through breakfast, meds and bath
but the point of this vignette.
Her difficult choice these days lies in
which girl is her favorite.

A hoe is a hoe, that’s what most people say,
But ‘my’ hoe got broken, just the other day,
My grand-daughter borrowed it,[she didn’t ask me],
Now the handle is broken, causing me perplexity,

She bought a brand new handle, but it won’t be the same,
A handle’s not a handle, that’s what I will proclaim,
That hoe once belonged, to my mother-in-law,
She cleaned it up and oiled it, every fall,

Then one day she passed it, along to me,
I think the handle had been carved, from a Hickory tree,
It was smooth as velvet, from all the years of use,
Shaped slender for a Lady’s hand, not made for such abuse,

I’m trying to be kind, and behave graciously,
Cause my darling grand-daughter, means quite a lot to me,
I’ll have to break it in, try to form it to my hand,
But a hoe’s not just a hoe, now I hope you can understand…

4-29-10 c.d.m.

The Simple Country Farmer,

Down the road, a piece,
there lived, a man and his wife,
Farming, was his profession,
and he’d done so, all his life.

He was the son, of a farmer,
who was the son, of one too.
He’d had choices in life,
but farming’s, what he chose, to do.

He bought the land, that joined his fathers,
and wed, his sweetheart.
They spent, their lives together,
and were seldom apart.

Every year I watched them tend,
the same piece of land.
They would raise a lovely garden
without a helping hand.

They would plant it, and tend it,
and gather it all in,
They raised more than enough,
and gave the excess to friends.

He in his straw hat
with mud boots up to his knees.
Her in a cotton dress,
that gently waved in the breeze.

They would faithfully tend to their garden
side by side.
The simple country farmer,
and his sweet little bride.

I’d watch them and marvel
at their gardening abilities.
And I wondered why my garden,
didn’t do the same for me.

Well I had clumps as big as melons,
I would still try to hoe.
I’d water, weed, and feed it,
but my garden didn’t grow.

After one or two years I thought,
I may as well give up.
That’s when the simple country farmer,
taught this simple country ‘pup.’

He said, “A lot of it Sis,
is in the soils preparation.
Then another large part,
is in your hearts determination.

You put your heart into the soil
and it will give it’s heart to you.
It takes time ,for hearts to grow
more than just a year or two.

I listened and I tried it,
and much to my delight,
my garden responded,
and it’s such a lovely sight.

It takes love, to tend a garden
or the soil of a heart.
And a heart that is determined,
is the first place to start.

c.d.m. 6-11
Summer Gardening

It was a have-to case for so many years,
just to feed the family.
That I hung up my gloves for a long time
and rested my poor knees.

But it gets in your blood and you miss it,
when you’ve given it up for a while.
The first smell of the earth as we turned it
caused my lips to smile.

Then there was fertilizing,
and marking out of the rows.
And planning what go’s where is important
just as every gardener knows.

The corn must go in two by two
cucumbers need room to vine
Marigolds keep the bugs away,
at least they do, in mine.

Potatoes must have lot’s of room,
so they can then be hilled.
The hoe must tend to every row
for the larder to be filled.

Tomatoes must be tied up
so the sun can touch the fruit.
Beans like a little lime applied,
but they still will make you ‘toot.’

The strangest tale I’ve yet to hear
an old woman recounted to me.
Concerning sweet green peppers,
and how to plant them properly.

She looked up at me with a toothless grin
said, ” For peppers to bear fruit miss,
you must plant them real close together,
’cause see ‘sweet’ peppers just love to kiss.”

He guards his secret closely
he wants no one to know.
He doesn’t need to worry
it really doesn’t show.

Someone should maybe tell him
for it may ease his mind.
There’s no longer evidence
for anyone to find.

You ask, ” What is his secret?”
Go on and try to guess.
I know you’ll never get it
tho you may try your best.

No, he is not a drinker
no, he don’t chase around.
He is not into porno
works ev’ry day I’ve found.

Don’t hit his wife or children
don’t smoke and doesn’t swear.
You say,” What else could it be?”
All right, all right I’ll share.

He gave his heart to Jesus.
A long, long time ago.
Soon thereafter took it back
and now he doesn’t know.

There’s nothing left to hide ’cause
he left it in the past.
One trip down to the altar,
it wears off super fast.

I pray for him and others
whose paths have been recast.
They’ll give their hearts to Jesus
and this time it would last.

c.d.m.6-12-10

Is there any need to say any thing else, other than I really do know a couple of people like this. This is not meant to judge or be harsh, but to speak to an issue and request prayer for these ones.{ you may know someone like this too}

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

““““““““““““““““““““““““““““`

A number one prerequisite for being grounded in the ‘Truth’, is being planted in a body of believers. One where the gifts, of ministry are placed by God and received.

Of all the people [ myself included for a season] I have known, who refused to be ‘planted’ in a body, the reason behind it was a spirit of offence. Which then grew into rebellion, and deposited them eventually into deception.

Psalms 68:6
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

The word solitary, means precious and irreplaceable, individual child

With care and forethought He places them where they need to be. In that place of [dare I say the word] sub-mission, chains are broken off. The result of refusal, the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Those are the words of the bible, both new and old testament. Jesus warned His followers of two things, the leaven of the Pharisees, and deception.

When they asked in Matthew 24, ‘What shall be the signs, of all these things coming to pass?’ He answered, and while He mentioned wars, pestilences, and earthquakes one time with-in His discourse, He refers to deception at least 4 times.

If you ask the average Christian ‘what are the signs?’ you will see we have missed the most frequently spoken of and so I believe the most important ‘sign’.

Mean while IF a preacher or teacher of the word, actually calls a spade a spade, a heresy a heresy, or stands up for the Truth, they are reviled. Called un-loving, and looked upon as a bible thumper, ‘out of it’.

A few years ago, Larry King asked two well-known ministers, a point-blank question, “Do you believe that Jesus, is the only way to salvation?” He being Jewish was looking for a fight or someone to say,” oh Larry you are Jewish, of course you will be saved.”

Sadly, the young man declared to be ‘pastor of the fastest growing church in America’, smiled and said, ” I wouldn’t say that.”

I was crushed, I thought you just missed an opportunity to share what Jesus said, “I AM THE DOOR.” No excuses, or avoidance of the Truth, He spoke the Truth, with all of His heart.

The older gentleman, followed the same course, side-stepped the issue. Then to really drive their pre-planned agenda home, the show played old videos from 40 yrs. ago, where he stated the Truth boldly. As though to say ‘see with age he see’s differently now’. That great man should not have been on that show. I would love to see Larry King or anyone else ask the gentleman’s son, that same question today. Or even me.
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Notice it is the gospel Of Christ, and must be received to become a partaker of it.
The name of Jesus. Name is ‘onoma’ in the Greek meaning character and position of authority. Even as the thief on the cross called Him Lord.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

There is so much deception, being propagated today. So many seem fearful to draw lines. Thank God, Jesus was not and is not fearful to speak the Truth, then and now.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Be not afraid to speak the Truth in love, perhaps a soul may be saved. Eternal Truth changes not.

Tell me what would it take
to make a “blackbird” smile?
I’ve pondered this question
off and on for a while.

I pass them on the roadway
walking single file.
They wave at passer’s by
but they do not smile.

I respect their tradition,
of austerity.
Still it seems a happy child
should smile to me.

I wonder if they ever have
a time to just play
out chasing butterflies
on a sun lit day.

In the midst of their frolic
do they laugh with glee?
It seems a happy child
should smile, to me.

So tell me,

What does it take,
to make a “black bird” smile?
You see I’ve pondered this question
for quite a while.

c.d.m. 12/31/09

I often pass children walking along the back roads to school,and concern rises in my heart for them. Please add your prayers with mine for these ones who are so sheltered, and yet must live in a cruel and dangerous world. cheryl